In the tough, male-dominated world of international orchestral conducting, one woman has captured the attention of both audiences and musicians: American conductor Marin Alsop. Equal parts approachable, astute, and accomplished, Ms. Alsop is dedicated to making amazing music, while at the same time, tireless in training and inspiring other women to take their place on the orchestral podium.

In 2013, Alsop became the first woman, in the 118-yr history of the BBC Proms, to conduct the famous “Last night of the Proms” concert. During that concert, she gave a speech (a tradition for the LNOP concert) that expressed “…shock that it can be 2013 and there can still be firsts for women.” She then added: “Here’s to the second, third, fourths, fifths, hundredths to come.” read more…

This week one of the giants of choral conducting died. Sir David Willcocks, an English composer, organist, and choirmaster, was well-known in the circles of both amateur and professional choirs around the globe. Although best known for his work with the King’s College Choir, Cambridge (which he led from 1957 to 1974), Willcocks spent the majority of his retirement travelling to choir workshops and festivals, dispensing his dry British humour and his coveted encouragement throughout the choral community. read more…